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Tips on Giving Meaningful Gifts

In Lieu of Flowers from Teen Great-grandson TJ Cardwell

Wanting to give meaningful gifts this year? Overwhelmed with ads wooing you?

I say let’s get back to the basics; giving more from the heart than from the wallet.

These simple tips go beyond Christmas or birthday gifts. Giving includes bereavement, hospital, nursing home, thank you, and other occasions.

Be inspired by some of the most meaningful gifts I have received.

PRAY ABOUT THEIR NEEDS
Seriously, God cares, He wants to help you. The richest persons in the world still have needs; could God use your simple gift to cheer and encourage someone?. The needs may be obvious; other times you have to look for them.
The photo above pictures a gift I received from my great-grandson, TJ. He knew with Grandpa Russell gone to Heaven, it might be a long, lonely winter for Grandma. He included a boxed puzzle, assorted puzzle books, snacks, and a drink. That took thought, planning, and a caring heart. One simple gift in a cardboard box—priceless.

2. HOW DO THEY SPEND THEIR TIME AT HOME?

Does your gift recipient have hobbies? Read? Write stories? Cook? How about a book on gardening or cooking or hobby? Gather some supplies for them to have on hand during a long winter. If they feed birds, buy bird feeders and seeds.

Perhaps they enjoy writing letters and sending cards. Give stamps, pens, specialty note pads. Above, TJ included pens with my puzzles. Several people included books of stamps in their condolence cards to me. How easy it was to mail my thank you cards a few at a time from home.

3. LOOK AT YOUR OWN SITUATION

What could someone give you right now to show their love, simplify your life? Here are some helpful, inexpensive ideas. As leaves fall and snow begins to fly, a small broom to keep the porch swept off; a bag of ice melt for the steps; defogger/de-icer for the car windows; heavy gloves, scarf, and a cozy afghan or small blanket for car. I have already been gifted a first-aid kit and shoe snow treads to keep in the trunk.

4. THINK INSIDE THE BOX

Make even the smallest gift festive. A beautiful, small box containing gift cards from DQ, McD’s, Hardee’s or local drive-thru can be life-savers on a busy day. Add small candies, mints, tissue. Get creative with your giving.

5. GIVE YOUR TIME; USE YOUR TALENTS

No matter how busy we think we are, most of us find time for the things that are important to us. Again, what are the needs you can meet with your gift? What do you have to give? A song? A manicure? A pedicure? Do their hair? Offer to do help them decorate for the holidays? How about taking things to the recycle place. If appropriate, check their vehicles for winter; the list is endless.

6. GET PERSONAL WITH YOUR GIVING

Be sensitive to those confined to home, recently widowed, or in a new place in their lives. Days can be long and empty. Consider writing small notes: memories you’ve shared, things that made you laugh, Scripture that encourages, little funny stories. Use colorful papers and stickers. I have two envelopes of such notes like these. One by a young married girl with little ones to care for and little money for buying gifts; the other an old (OLD) friend. I treasure them more than many of the more expensive gifts I have received.

7. REMEMBER THE GREATEST GIFT

Pray for them daily, let them know. Pray with them if that is appropriate, remind them Jesus loves them and that you care. And, prepare ahead to give. I never miss a closeout box, who knows what little token I might find that will bring another great joy.

My greatest gifts are wrapped up in special people like you; you bring me joy by staying faithful as I journey through this stage of my life. You inspire me to keep going. YOU are my encouragers.

God richly bless you as I send hugs,

Looking forward to hearing what your greatest gift ideas are.

Timely Tips to Ease the Stress during Holidays

Timely tips to ease stress during holidays?

Bring them on! My to-do list is still in October mode, how about you? As we try to balance traditions, expectations of others, and our own desires, we become weary in well doing!

As we begin, think about one of my favorite scriptures on stress: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 Click here for more great verses from God’s Word to encourage your heart.

For many, holidays can be a sad and stressful time.

Visions of happy holiday gatherings are replaced by the reality of those missing this year. Others caring for parents or family members are wearied by thoughts of added work. Perhaps you are among those considering skipping these preparations all together.

Relax and let me encourage you as we alleviate some of that stress.

This simple plan has often helped me to set the mood for less stress as holiday gatherings approach. Grab your calendar and we’ll schedule some private time for an honest look at your role in upcoming holidays. (I am serious, get your calendar!) I cannot overstate how important this step is. Before adding more to our already stretched schedules, we must honestly face our personal needs and wants. Yes, I said, “consider your personal needs, too!”

Schedule an appointment with yourself in the next few days!

Seriously, you can find an hour for yourself … do it! I do it every few months and it’s a game changer for me; however, you MUST keep the appointment.

On the day of your “appointment” with yourself, cozy up in a quiet place with a hot beverage, calendar, pen and paper. If possible quiet the phone for an hour.

1. First priority: Consider the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

What can you be thankful for? Your present surroundings? Those you love? Memories of better times? Make a list. If you have to, start your list with the obvious: fresh air to breathe, sight, a bed or chair for rest. Get the picture?

2. Consider what you personally would like to do this holiday.

Is a big meal really important to you and your family? Perhaps, it’s done out of habit or, worse yet–obligation. What will benefit your family most, your personal time and attention or all the holiday fixings? Find alternatives like bringing a dinner from the market or having a meal catered. Discover creative ways to free up your time; treasure your family.

3. Will a family member or friend be missing this year?

Do you still need to deal with that loss before the holidays? Is there something you could do to honor them in some way? If appropriate, display a photo or keepsake in a prominent place and have a time to share memories; to laugh and cry and express honest feelings.

If you know others who are recently lost loved ones, schedule a little time to contact them. A simple card or call will do wonders; I know, I have been there.

4. Do you think your home is not ready for company?

No time or energy to clean? Remember the silly old question: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! So, schedule one room a week to clean and sort. Stick to the plan–just one room or even a section at a time. As the holiday approaches your home will shine and so will you.

If you are used to decorating every nook and cranny, change it this year. Add simple decorations as you go or choose one area to lavish holiday items on and leave the rest clean and fresh as is. If need be, go back to tip number 1 and remember to be thankful for a home to share.

5. Learn to communicate your feelings with others.

Do you need help to carry out your plan? Let others know that. Are you hesitant to make changes from old traditional habits? Talk to your family; explain the necessity of making changes this year. Express excitement and positive attitude about approaching holidays; make even the minimal preparations a celebration.

Philippians 4:4 commands us to rejoice in the Lord always.

Rejoice. Determine from this day forward to proceed with your plan. Keep your focus on your goal. You truly can have the best and most meaningful holiday ever as you train yourself to focus on the positive aspects of the holidays and clear out the negative.

Hugs,

Click here for more great articles; and have a blessed holiday season.

5 Reasons to Write Your Story Now

5 reasons to write your story now does not mean you will write a book or publish your story in any form. There are many benefits of writing your story for yourself and perhaps your family.

Major accomplishments or being famous not a factor.

Our most remembered stories are not from the rich and famous, but from plain folk who merely penned what happened to them. Your life experiences, good and not so good, weave a story only you can tell. The most seemingly insignificant issues have molded you into the person you are.

Memories fade quickly if not written down.

I wish I could sit with my grandparents and hear their stories again; like how life on the farm was with 16 kids. Each journey is different. Perhaps your journey will encourage others. At the very least, writing your story will increase your faith as you see how God has walked with you.

Free help is available; even if writing only for self.

I subscribe to The Morning Nudge by Suzanne Lieurance. She offers simple helps, even to those who keep a journal. Who knows what you might do as you get inspired! It’s easy to read and FREE to all; try it here.

Now, here are those 5 reasons to write your story. I want to hear from you!

1. You get to know yourself better.

The main benefactor from telling your story is you! Writing our stories helps us deal with emotions and feelings often trapped inside. Reading our own stories, we gain insight into our feelings about people and circumstances we encounter.

2. You preserve interesting historical facts about your family.

My mother had a strong faith. She never talked about it much, she just lived it. Now, I would like to know how that faith carried her through war years, poverty, loss of children and tragic situations. And, how Mother grew up in mining country, losing her dad at 13.

3. You will understand your own decisions better.

Journal a bit about past decisions you and your family have made. As you pen your progress as a family, life often becomes clearer. You understand better why you are where you are and why those decisions were so difficult to make at the time.

4. You choose what to keep or share.

If you want to publish your story later, beginning with a journal is a good way to weed out areas not for public view. For your benefit, it is good to write as much of your feelings as you can. However, you will want to choose carefully what goes into print.

5. You can do a small book/booklet with limited access.

Writing your story can be as simple as penning a few chapters for your family and close friends. Reasonably priced options for smaller books/booklets are available with as much or little help as you require.

Proverbs 4:23 says we must be very careful about what we think because our thoughts run our life. Writing your story, whether for yourself or for others, will absolutely help you know where your thinking is off and help you get on the right path.

Happy writing, and do let me hear from you on this one.

Hugs,

Reading my article on improving communications may give you some ideas on what you need to write about now. Remember, it’s a journey … one step at a time. Just start somewhere and build.